UN extends Haiti gang suppression force mandate to 2027

The U.N. Security Council extended the Gang Suppression Force’s mandate in Haiti through March 31, 2027, in a 12-0 vote, with China, Russia and Pakistan abstaining. The force is intended to help Haitian authorities combat armed gangs, protect civilians and critical infrastructure, and establish conditions for elections. The resolution also calls for attention to children recruited or used by gangs, including through reintegration and psychosocial support, and requires operations to comply with international law. Supporters say the mission represents a different approach to Haiti’s security crisis, but the force is operating well below its intended capacity, with about 1,500 troops deployed and thousands more expected; concerns persist over funding and effectiveness. Haiti’s delegation welcomed the extension while emphasizing that the force needs adequate resources, and critics caution that military action alone cannot resolve the country’s deeper instability.